Lilliana and the Frogs is a story about a young girl and her love of frogs. One day when Lilliana is at a nearby pond she decides to catch some of the frogs to bring home. When Lilliana is not looking the frogs escape the enclosure and spread throughout the house! This story will encourage readers to explore their curiosity and passion for nature – but to leave it outside.
Why use this book:
- Showcases how frogs (and all species) depend on ecosystems to meet their needs and highlights the importance of protecting their habitat.
- Demonstrates the importance of leaving wildlife in the wild.
Welfare Considerations (Animals and People)
- Animals:
- As the book highlights, most people aren’t well-equipped to provide for the complex needs of wildlife and as a result these animals can suffer from reduced welfare. It’s important to leave wildlife in the wild.
- Throughout the story, Lilliana’s dog is seen following her around the pond off leash. While it is unclear if the pond is on Lilliana’s property or not, it is important to remind students the importance of ensuring dogs are leashed when not in a yard or in a designated off leash area. Dogs can disturb wildlife and their habitats, which can cause harm.
- People:
- Reptiles and amphibians can carry germs like Salmonella, that can make people sick. According to Health Canada children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are most at risk for developing salmonellosis.
Ask your students:
- Have you ever seen a frog in the wild? Describe your experience.
- Why did Lilliana want to catch the frogs?
- Do you think the frogs enjoyed being caught? Explain.
- Do you think Lilliana should have caught the frogs? Why or why not. Explain to students that while Lilliana had the good intentions, she probably should have left the frogs alone and observed them in their natural environment.
- How do you think the frogs got out of the enclosure?
- Why is it important to protect the habitat of the frogs?
- If you could tell Lilliana one thing what would it be and why?
- What is something you are interested in? How can you learn more about it? Read books, watch videos, ask an expert, etc.
Activities:
- All About Frogs – In the story, Lilliana loves frogs; especially the chorus frogs found in the nearby pond. In small groups, have students brainstorm a list of what they know about frogs on a piece of chart paper. Then, on the other side of the chart paper, have each group write down three things they would like to learn about frogs. As a class, watch the short Canadian Wildlife Federation’s video “The Chorus Frogs” (3:33). Have students record any answers to their questions the video provides. If students have questions that remain unanswered after watching the video, allow them time to research.
- Habitat Protection – At the back of the book in the Author’s Note the author, Scot Ritchie explains that chorus frogs are losing their homes due to habitat changes as cities and industries grow and destroy wild places. He encourages the reader to help by joining groups that protect animals like chorus frogs. As a class, brainstorm a list of wild animals (including bugs, reptiles and amphibians) that are native to your area and have students pick a species and research what we can do to protect their habitat.
- Observing Animals…Outside! – In the story, Lilliana learns that it is better for the frogs to remain outside and for her to observe them in their natural habitat. We use observation to learn more about animals and the natural world. Have students observe and animal (insects, local wildlife, or pets) and have them complete the Observing Animals activity sheet. Encourage students to share any questions they have about their observation. ADVISE STUDENTS: While observing wildlife, it is critical to not disturb the animal. Remind students to be respectful by giving the animal space, being quiet and observing from a distance. Never touch or feed wildlife as this can result in injury to the animal and person.
- Lifecycle of a Frog – On the inside cover of the book, a diagram of the lifecycle of a frog is included. Go over the life cycle of a frog using this diagram and by watching the short video “The Incredible Frog Lifecycle”” (2:54) as a class. Individually, have students create their own life cycle of a frog diagram on a piece of paper. EXTENSION: Ask students to compare the life cycle of a frog to the life cycle of another animal that has been studies or discussed in class. In small grounds have students compare and contrast the life cycles.
Additional Resources Related to Book:
- Health Canada – Information on how to stay healthy around reptiles and amphibians
